JP2012209305A - Thermoelectric conversion unit and manufacturing method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A thermoelectric conversion unit in which an introduction pipe and a discharge pipe can be easily provided in a case is provided.
A thermoelectric conversion unit (1) includes a case (4) in which an open structure channel (4a2) is formed and molded, a first substrate (2b) that closes an open part of the channel (4h), and a first substrate (2b). And a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 2a disposed between the first substrate 2b and the second substrate 2c. An introduction pipe 4b and a discharge pipe 4c are formed integrally with the case 4 on the bottom surface of the flow path 4h of the case 4, and the introduction pipe 4b and the discharge pipe 4c are respectively perpendicular to the first substrate 2b and the first substrate 2b. It extends in the direction opposite to the side.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion unit having a thermoelectric conversion element.

  The thermoelectric conversion unit described in Patent Literature 1 has a thermoelectric conversion module and a case that covers one of the thermoelectric conversion modules. The thermoelectric conversion module includes a thermoelectric conversion element having a pair of hot surfaces and a plate member that comes into contact with one of the hot surfaces. In the case, a flow path having an open structure is formed, and an open portion of the flow path is covered with a plate member. The case is provided with an introduction pipe and a discharge pipe extending from the side surface of the case in parallel with the plate member. The heat medium is introduced into the flow path from the introduction pipe, and is discharged from the flow path through the discharge pipe.

JP 2001-4245 A

  However, the thermoelectric conversion unit described in Patent Document 1 requires complicated operations such as connecting an introduction pipe and a discharge pipe to the case. Therefore, a thermoelectric conversion unit that can be easily manufactured is conventionally required.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a thermoelectric conversion unit according to each claim or a method for manufacturing the thermoelectric conversion unit. The thermoelectric conversion unit according to claim 1, wherein a flow path having an open structure is formed and molded, a first substrate that closes an open portion of the flow path, and a second substrate that is disposed to face the first substrate; And a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. An introduction pipe and a discharge pipe are formed integrally with the case on the bottom surface of the flow path of the case, and the introduction pipe and the discharge pipe respectively extend in a direction perpendicular to the first substrate and in a direction opposite to the first substrate side. To do.

  Therefore, the opening direction of the flow path and the extending direction of the introduction pipe and the discharge pipe are the same in the case. Therefore, the case can be integrally formed with the introduction pipe and the discharge pipe by opening and closing the pair of molds without using a slide mold. Thus, the thermoelectric conversion unit can be easily manufactured. Further, the heat medium introduced into the flow path from the introduction pipe flows toward the first substrate. Therefore, compared with the case where the heat medium is introduced into the flow path along the first substrate, the heat medium tends to flow toward the first substrate. Thus, the flow rate of the heat medium increases in the vicinity of the first substrate close to the thermoelectric conversion element, and heat exchange with the thermoelectric conversion element can be performed efficiently.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, a projecting portion that is adjacent to the introduction tube and projects toward the first substrate is formed on the bottom surface of the flow path. Therefore, the heat medium introduced into the case from the introduction tube can flow toward the first substrate by the protrusion. Therefore, the flow rate of the heat medium increases in the vicinity of the first substrate close to the thermoelectric conversion element, and heat exchange with the thermoelectric conversion element can be performed efficiently.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the protrusion has an inclined surface that becomes closer to the first substrate as the distance from the introduction tube increases. Therefore, the heat medium can smoothly flow from the introduction tube toward the first substrate by the inclined surface. Thus, the pressure loss can be reduced.

  In claim 4, the case is a first case, the flow path is a first flow path, the introduction pipe is a first introduction pipe, and the discharge pipe is a first discharge pipe. The thermoelectric conversion unit has a second case in which a second flow path having an open structure is formed and molded. The open part of the second flow path is closed by the second substrate. A second introduction pipe and a second discharge pipe are formed integrally with the second case on the bottom surface of the second flow path of the second case, and the second introduction pipe and the second discharge pipe are each perpendicular to the second substrate. And extending in the direction opposite to the second substrate side.

  Therefore, one end of the thermoelectric conversion element exchanges heat with the heat medium in the flow path of the first case via the first substrate, and the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element flows through the second case via the second substrate. Heat exchange with the heat medium in the channel is possible. For the same reason as the first case, the second case can be provided with a second introduction pipe and a second discharge pipe simply and integrally. The heat medium flowing in the second case for the same reason as the first case can be efficiently exchanged with the second substrate.

  The method of manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion unit according to claim 5 is a process of integrally molding the case, the introduction pipe, and the discharge pipe by flowing resin between a pair of closed molds and opening the pair of molds. A step of assembling the first substrate, the second substrate, and the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements to the case; Therefore, the case, the introduction pipe, and the discharge pipe can be easily and integrally formed by opening and closing the pair of molds.

  According to the thermoelectric conversion unit of the present invention, the introduction tube and the discharge tube can be easily provided in the case.

It is a block diagram of a heat exchange system. It is a perspective view of a thermoelectric conversion unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a thermoelectric conversion unit. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. It is a partially exploded perspective view of a thermoelectric conversion module. It is a perspective view from the 1st substrate side of a thermoelectric conversion module. It is the VII-VII line partial cross section arrow view of FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG. 8. It is a schematic diagram of the case which concerns on another form. It is a schematic diagram of the case which concerns on another form.

  One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The heat exchange system 10 is provided, for example, in a vehicle, and includes a thermoelectric conversion unit 1, a radiator 11, and an indoor temperature / cool unit 14 as shown in FIG. The radiator 11 is connected to a vehicle engine 12 by a pipe 20. A first heat medium (coolant liquid) circulates between the engine 12 and the radiator 11 by a pump 13 provided in the middle of the pipe 20. The first heat medium receives heat (hot heat) from the engine 12 and releases heat from the radiator 11 to the outside air.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the thermoelectric conversion unit 1 is connected to the radiator 11 by a pipe 21 connected to the pipe 20, and is connected to the radiator 11 in parallel with the engine 12. The first heat medium is cooled by receiving cold from the thermoelectric conversion unit 1 via the pipes 20 and 21. Therefore, the first heat medium can be cooled not only by the radiator 11 but also by the thermoelectric conversion unit 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the thermoelectric conversion unit 1 is connected to the indoor heating / cooling unit 14 by a pipe 22. A second heat medium (coolant liquid) is circulated between the thermoelectric conversion unit 1 and the indoor temperature / cooling unit 14 by a pump 15 provided in the middle of the pipe 22. The second heat medium receives warm heat from the thermoelectric conversion unit 1 and releases heat from the indoor heating / cooling unit 14 to indoor air. Therefore, the room can be warmed by the room temperature / cool unit 14.

  The thermoelectric conversion unit 1 has a housing 3 and a thermoelectric conversion module 2 provided in the housing 3 as shown in FIGS. The housing 3 has a first case 4 and a second case 5 that are stacked in the thickness direction.

  The first case 4 and the second case 5 are molded products as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and integrally include case bodies 4a and 5a, introduction pipes 4b and 5b, and discharge pipes 4c and 5c. Case body 4a, 5a has plate-shaped board part 4a1, 5a1, and surrounding wall part 4a6, 5a6 which protrudes from the outer periphery of board part 4a1, 5a1. The first case 4 and the second case 5 have an open structure, and flow paths 4a2 and 5a2 are formed in the plate portions 4a1 and 5a1. The flow paths 4a2 and 5a2 are opened toward the thermoelectric conversion module 2, and concave portions 4h and 5h are formed in the plate portions 4a1 and 5a1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the flow paths 4a2 and 5a2 are divided into first flow paths 4a3 and 5a3, folded flow paths 4a4 and 5a4, and second flow paths 4a5 and 5a5 by partition portions 4a7 and 5a7 formed in plate portions 4a1 and 5a1. It is partitioned and extends in a U-shape. A guide portion 4a8 projects from the plate portions 4a1 and 5a1 in the return flow paths 4a4 and 5a4. Guide part 4a8 has an inclined surface which inclines toward channel 4a3, 4a5, 5a3, 5a5 which adjoins channel 4a3, 4a5, 5a3, 5a5 which counters. The heat medium can smoothly flow from the first flow paths 4a3 and 5a3 to the second flow paths 4a5 and 5a5 by the guide portion 4a8.

  The introduction pipes 4b and 5b and the discharge pipes 4c and 5c are juxtaposed on one end side of the plate portions 4a1 and 5a1, as shown in FIG. The introduction pipes 4b and 5b and the discharge pipes 4c and 5c extend from the plate portions 4a1 and 5a1 in the direction opposite to the thermoelectric conversion module 2 (thickness direction). The introduction pipes 4b and 5b are formed with introduction paths 4b1 and 5b1 communicating with the bottom surfaces of the first flow paths 4a3 and 5a3. The introduction paths 4b1 and 5b1 extend in the same direction as the depth direction of the flow paths 4a2 and 5a2, and pass through the plate portions 4a1 and 5a1 and the introduction pipes 4b and 5b. In the discharge pipes 4c and 5c, discharge paths 4c1 and 5c1 communicating with the bottom surfaces of the second flow paths 4a5 and 5a5 are formed. The discharge paths 4c1 and 5c1 extend in the same direction as the depth direction of the second flow paths 4a5 and 5a5, and pass through the plate portions 4a1 and 5a1 and the discharge pipes 4c and 5c.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, projecting portions 4 f and 5 f projecting into the flow paths 4 a 2 and 5 a 2 are formed in the case main bodies 4 a and 5 a. The protruding portions 4f and 5f protrude toward the substrates 2b and 2c of the thermoelectric conversion module 2 from the regions of the plate portions 4a1 and 5a1 adjacent to the introduction paths 4b1 and 5b1. The protrusions 4f and 5f have inclined surfaces that approach the substrates 2b and 2c as they are separated from the introduction paths 4b1 and 5b1. Therefore, the heat medium introduced from the introduction paths 4b1 and 5b1 flows toward the substrates 2b and 2c, and the flow rate increases in the vicinity of the substrates 2b and 2c.

  The first case 4 integrally has a connector portion 4g as shown in FIGS. The connector part 4g is cylindrical and protrudes laterally from the case body 4a. A connector portion of a converter (not shown) is connected to the connector portion 4g. The converter converts the voltage input to the converter into a predetermined voltage and supplies a direct current to the thermoelectric conversion module 2 via the electrode member 6 provided in the first case 4.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, the first case 4 integrally has a positioning portion 4 a 9. The positioning portion 4a9 protrudes from the peripheral wall portion 4a6 and enters the recess 2b7 of the thermoelectric conversion module 2. Therefore, the position of the thermoelectric conversion module 2 with respect to the first case 4 can be determined by the positioning portion 4a9.

  Cases 4 and 5 are closed by closing the first and second molds (not shown), injecting a resin material between the first and second molds, and opening the first and second molds. 4a and 5a, introduction pipes 4b and 5b, and discharge pipes 4c and 5c are integrally formed. The connector portion 4g is formed using a slide mold.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the thermoelectric conversion module 2 includes a thermoelectric conversion element 2a, substrates 2b and 2c, and fins 2d and 2e. The thermoelectric conversion element (Peltier element) 2a is composed of different metals, conductors or semiconductors. The thermoelectric conversion element 2a exerts a Peltier effect by passing a direct current, and either one of the first heat surface and the second heat surface serves as a heat absorbing portion, and the other one serves as a heat radiating portion to dissipate heat. . The plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 2a are provided between the substrates 2b and 2c.

  The first substrate 2b is installed on the inner periphery of the peripheral wall portion 4a6 of the first case 4 as shown in FIGS. The first substrate 2b is formed with a recess 2b7 in which the positioning portion 4a9 is installed. Therefore, the 1st board | substrate 2b is positioned with respect to the 1st case 4 by the recessed part 2b7 and an outer periphery. The first substrate 2b covers the opening of the recess 4h of the first case 4 and forms the flow path 4a2 in cooperation with the case body 4a.

  The second substrate 2c is smaller than the first substrate 2b as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, and a plurality of (for example, ten) substrates are provided for one first substrate 2b. The second substrate 2c is positioned in a predetermined area by a frame 2f provided on the first substrate 2b. A second case 5 is put on the second substrate 2c and the frame 2f. The 2nd board | substrate 2c and the frame 2f cover the open part of the recessed part 5h of the 2nd case 5, and form the flow path 5a2 in cooperation with the case main body 5a.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the substrates 2b and 2c have plate bodies 2b1 and 2c1, insulating layers 2b2 and 2c2, and wirings 2b3 and 2c3. The plate bodies 2b1 and 2c1 are formed from a conductive metal material. The plate main bodies 2b1 and 2c1 have outer surfaces 2b9 and 2c9 located on the concave portion 4h side, and inner surfaces 2b8 and 2c8 which are back surfaces of the outer surfaces 2b9 and 2c9. Insulating layers 2b2 and 2c2 and wirings 2b3 and 2c3 are provided on the inner surfaces 2b8 and 2c8. The insulating layers 2b2 and 2c2 electrically insulate the plate bodies 2b1 and 2c1 from the wirings 2b3 and 2c3.

  The wirings 2b3 and 2c3 are formed of a conductive material as shown in FIG. 5, and are applied (printed) on the surfaces of the insulating layers 2b2 and 2c2. The thermoelectric conversion element 2a is brought into contact with and soldered to the wirings 2b3 and 2c3. The wirings 2b3 and 2c3 cooperate to connect a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 2a in series. Therefore, the current flows through the thermoelectric conversion elements 2a in order, flows in the thickness direction of the substrates 2b and 2c, and flows between the substrates 2b and 2c in a zigzag manner.

  The wiring 2b3 provided on the first substrate 2b has a main wiring 2b4, a connection wiring 2b5, and an end 2b6 as shown in FIG. The main wiring 2b4 is formed in each region covered by the second substrate 2c, and the thermoelectric conversion element 2a is soldered to the main wiring 2b4. The connection wiring 2b5 extends between the regions and connects the main wiring 2b4 provided in each region. The connection wiring 2b5 is covered with the frame body 2f, and contact with the heat medium by the frame body 2f is avoided. The end 2b6 extends out of the frame 2f from the connection wiring 2b5. The electrode member 6 is electrically connected to the end 2b6 (see FIG. 8).

  The first substrate 2b is provided with two first fins 2d as shown in FIGS. On the other hand, each second substrate 2c is provided with one second fin 2e. The fins 2d and 2e protrude from the substrates 2b and 2c in the opposite direction to the thermoelectric conversion element 2a, and are installed in the flow paths 4a2 and 5a2. As shown in FIG. 4, the fins 2d and 2e are plate-like and zigzag-shaped, and gaps 2d1 and 2e1 are formed between the zigzags. The gaps 2d1 and 2e1 extend in the longitudinal direction of the flow paths 4a2 and 5a2 so as not to block the flow paths 4a2 and 5a2.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the frame 2f has a frame main body 2f2 and an overhang portion 2f1. The frame body 2f2 extends along the outer periphery of the second substrate 2c and determines the position of the second substrate 2c. The frame body 2f2 protrudes from the first substrate 2b toward the second case 5 through the side of the second substrate 2c. The projecting portion 2f1 projects from the frame body 2f2 between the substrates 2b and 2c and comes into contact with the substrates 2b and 2c. The frame body 2f is integrated with the first substrate 2b at the time of bonding or molding to the first substrate 2b.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a liquid gasket 8b is provided between the overhang portion 2f1 and the outer peripheral portion of the second substrate 2c. The liquid gasket 8b prevents the heat medium from flowing toward the thermoelectric conversion element 2a through the space between the projecting portion 2f1 and the second substrate 2c. A liquid gasket 8 a is provided between the outer periphery of the first substrate 2 b and the first case 4. The liquid gasket 8 a prevents the heat medium from flowing toward the thermoelectric conversion element 2 a through the first substrate 2 b and the first case 4.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the cases 4 and 5 and the frame body 2 f are joined by welded portions 7 a to 7 c. The welding parts 7a to 7c are formed by vibration welding or hot plate welding of the cases 4 and 5 and the frame 2f. The welded portion 7a welds the peripheral wall portions 4a6 and 5a6 of the cases 4 and 5. The welded portion 7a seals between the cases 4 and 5 by welding the entire outer periphery of the cases 4 and 5. Thus, the outside air or the like can be prevented from entering between the cases 4 and 5 by the welded portion 7a. The welding part 7b welds the surrounding wall part 5a6 and the frame main body 2f2. The welding part 7c welds the partition part 5a7 and the frame main body 2f2. The welded portions 7b and 7c seal between the second case 5 and the frame 2f.

  The cases 4 and 5 hold the thermoelectric conversion module 2 from both sides as shown in FIG. Cases 4 and 5 hold thermoelectric conversion module 2 so that the gap between thermoelectric conversion module 2 is reduced by welded portions 7a to 7c. Thereby, the cases 4 and 5 can hold | maintain the board | substrates 2b and 2c of the thermoelectric conversion module 2 without providing big force, and can suppress that the board | substrates 2b and 2c peel from the thermoelectric conversion element 2a.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the case 4 is provided with a rod-shaped electrode member 6. The electrode member 6 is formed from an electrically conductive metal material, and is insert-molded with respect to the case 4. The electrode member 6 is formed in a rod shape from a conductive metal material. The electrode member 6 integrally includes an embedded portion 6a, a first end portion 6b, a second end portion 6c, and a connection portion 6d. The embedded part 6a has a first part 6a1 extending in the longitudinal direction of the case body 4a in the case body 4a and a second part 6a2 extending in the orthogonal direction from the first part 6a1. The first end portion 6b protrudes from the case body 4a and extends through the connector portion 4g. The first end portion 6b is electrically connected to a connector inserted into the connector portion 4g and is electrically connected to the converter via the connector.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second end 6c extends from the recess 2b7 of the first substrate 2b in the thickness direction of the first substrate 2b and extends above the surface of the first substrate 2b. A bent portion 6e is formed between the second end portion 6c and the connection portion 6d. A groove is formed in the bent portion 6e, and the bent portion 6e has a structure that can be bent easily. The bent portion 6e is bent in the manufacturing process, and moves the connecting portion 6d from the manufacturing process position indicated by the phantom line in FIG. 9 to the use position indicated by the solid line.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the connecting portion 6 d opens the surface of the first substrate 2 b, that is, the opposite region of the first case 4 at the manufacturing process position. Therefore, when the first substrate 2b is set on the first case 4, the connecting portion 6d does not get in the way. After the first substrate 2b is set in the first case 4, the bent portion 6e is bent, and the connecting portion 6d is moved from the manufacturing process position to the use position. The connecting portion 6d is soldered to the wiring 2b3 at the use position.

  The thermoelectric conversion unit 1 is electrically connected to a converter (not shown), and is connected to pipes 21 and 22 as shown in FIG. A converter supplies an electric current to each thermoelectric conversion element 2a via the electrode member 6 shown in FIG. The thermoelectric conversion element 2a absorbs heat at the first hot surface and supplies cold heat to the first case 4 via the first substrate 2b and the first fin 2d as shown in FIG. The thermoelectric conversion element 2a dissipates heat at the second hot surface and supplies warm heat to the first case 4 via the second substrate 2c and the second fin 2e.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a first heat medium is supplied to the first case 4 by a pump 13 through a pipe 21. The first heat medium is introduced into the flow path 4a2 from the introduction pipe 4b shown in FIG. 3, and is discharged from the discharge pipe 4c. The first heat medium receives cold from the thermoelectric conversion element 2a through the first fin 2d and the first substrate 2b by flowing through the flow path 4a2 (see FIG. 4).

  As shown in FIG. 1, a second heat medium is supplied to the second case 5 by a pump 15 via a pipe 22. The second heat medium is introduced into the flow path 5a2 from the introduction pipe 5b shown in FIG. 3, and is discharged from the discharge pipe 5c. The second heat medium receives the heat from the thermoelectric conversion element 2a through the second fin 2e and the second substrate 2c by flowing through the flow path 5a2 (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 1, the second heat medium flows through the indoor temperature / cool unit 14 to supply heat to the indoor air.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the flow direction of the first heat medium in the first case 4 and the flow direction of the second heat medium in the second case 5 are opposed to each other. For this reason, the difference between the heat absorption part side and the heat radiation part side of the thermoelectric conversion element 2a is small in the position of the thermoelectric conversion element 2a. Thus, the overall thermal efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion module 2 is high.

  As described above, as shown in FIG. 3, the thermoelectric conversion unit 1 includes the case 4 in which the channel 4a2 having an open structure is formed and molded, the first substrate 2b that closes the open portion of the channel 4h, and the first substrate. 2b, the 2nd board | substrate 2c arrange | positioned facing 2b, and the several thermoelectric conversion element 2a arrange | positioned between the 1st board | substrate 2b and the 2nd board | substrate 2c. An introduction pipe 4b and a discharge pipe 4c are formed integrally with the case 4 on the bottom surface of the flow path 4h of the case 4, and the introduction pipe 4b and the discharge pipe 4c are respectively perpendicular to the first substrate 2b and the first substrate 2b. It extends in the direction opposite to the side.

  Accordingly, in the case 4, the opening direction of the flow path 4a2 and the extending direction of the introduction pipe 4b and the discharge pipe 4c are the same. Therefore, the case 4 can be molded by opening and closing a pair of molds without using a slide mold. Thus, the case 4 can be easily manufactured. Further, the heat medium introduced from the introduction pipe 4b into the flow path 4a2 flows toward the first substrate 2b. Therefore, the heat medium is likely to flow toward the first substrate 2b as compared with the case where the heat medium is introduced into the flow path 4a2 along the first substrate 2b. Thus, the flow rate of the heat medium increases in the vicinity of the first substrate 2b close to the thermoelectric conversion element 2a, and heat exchange with the thermoelectric conversion element 2a can be performed efficiently.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the bottom surface of the flow path 4a2 is formed with a protrusion 4f adjacent to the introduction tube 4b and protruding toward the first substrate 2b. Therefore, the heat medium introduced into the case 4 from the introduction pipe 4b can flow toward the first substrate 2b by the protrusion 4f. Therefore, the flow rate of the heat medium increases in the vicinity of the first substrate 2b close to the thermoelectric conversion element 2a, and heat exchange with the thermoelectric conversion element 2a can be performed efficiently.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the protruding portion 4f has an inclined surface that becomes closer to the first substrate 2b as the distance from the introduction tube 4b increases. Therefore, the heat medium can smoothly flow from the introduction tube 4b toward the first substrate 2b by the inclined surface. Thus, the pressure loss can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the thermoelectric conversion unit 1 has a first case 4 in which a first flow path 4a2 is formed. In the first case 4, a first introduction pipe 4b and a first discharge pipe 4c are integrally formed. It is formed. The thermoelectric conversion unit 1 has a second case 5 in which a second flow path 5a2 having an open structure is formed and molded. The open portion of the second flow path 5a2 is blocked by the second substrate 2c. A second introduction pipe 5b and a second discharge pipe 5c are formed integrally with the second case 5 on the bottom surface of the second flow path 5a2 of the second case 5, and the second introduction pipe 5b and the second discharge pipe 5c are formed. Each extends in a direction perpendicular to the second substrate 2c and in a direction opposite to the second substrate 2c side.

  Therefore, one end of the thermoelectric conversion element 2a exchanges heat with the heat medium in the flow path of the first case 4 via the first substrate 2b, and the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 2a passes through the second substrate 2c. Heat exchange with the heat medium in the flow path of the second case 5 can be performed. For the same reason as the first case 4, the second case 5 can be provided with the second introduction pipe 5b and the second discharge pipe 5c simply and integrally. The heat medium flowing in the second case 5 for the same reason as the first case 4 can efficiently exchange heat with the second substrate 2c.

  In the manufacturing method of the thermoelectric conversion unit 1, a resin is poured between a pair of closed molds, and the case 4, the introduction pipe 4 b, and the discharge pipe 4 c are integrally molded by opening the pair of molds; 4 includes a step of assembling the first substrate 2b, the second substrate 2c, and the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 2a. Therefore, the case 4, the introduction pipe, and the discharge pipe can be easily and integrally formed by opening and closing the pair of forming dies.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be the following form. For example, the heat exchange system 10 may be used for heating the interior of a vehicle or may be used for cooling. When used for cooling, the first case 4 is connected to the pipe 22 and the second case 5 is connected to the pipe 21.

  The heat exchange system 10 may be used for air conditioning in a vehicle interior, may be used for cooling or heating a vehicle component such as a battery, or may be used for cooling or heating a product other than the vehicle. May be.

  The heat medium supplied into the cases 4 and 5 may be liquid or gas.

  The cases 4 and 5 may be formed with U-shaped flow paths 4a2 and 5a2, or as shown in FIG. 10, linear flow paths 4h and 5h are formed, and the flow paths 4h and 5h. There may be provided an introduction pipe formed with introduction paths 4i, 5i extending from one end of the pipe and a discharge pipe formed with discharge paths 4j, 5j extending from the other end of the flow paths 4h, 5h. Alternatively, in the cases 4 and 5, as shown in FIG. 11, the introduction paths 4m and 5m and the discharge paths 4n and 5n, and the introduction paths 4m and 5m and the discharge paths 4n and 5n extend in both directions and extend in a U shape. A pair of flow paths 4k and 5k may be formed.

  The first case 4 may have the case body 4a and the connector part 4g integrally, or may have the case body 4a and the connector part 4g separately. Alternatively, the connector portion may be provided in the second case instead of the first case.

  The connector portion 4g of the first case 4 may be formed by a slide mold, or may have a shape that opens in the mold opening direction of the mold so that it can be molded by opening and closing the first and second molds. good.

  The thermoelectric conversion element 2a may be a Peltier element that exhibits the Peltier effect, or may be an element that exhibits the Seebeck effect or the Thomson effect.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Thermoelectric conversion unit 2 ... Thermoelectric conversion module 2a ... Thermoelectric conversion element 2b ... 1st board | substrate 2c ... 2nd board | substrate 2d ... 1st fin 2e ... 2nd fin 2f ... Frame 3 ... Housing 4 ... 1st case 4a, 5a ... Case body 4b, 5b ... Introducing pipes 4b1, 5b1 ... Introducing paths 4c, 5c ... Discharge pipes 4c1, 5c1 ... Discharging paths 4f, 5f ... Projecting part 4g ... Connector parts 4a2-4a5, 5a2-5a5 ... Flow path 5th Two cases 6 ... electrode members 7a to 7c ... welds 8a, 8b ... liquid gasket 10 ... heat exchange system 11 ... radiator 12 ... engine 13, 15 ... pump 14 ... room temperature cooling / heating unit

Claims (5)

A thermoelectric conversion unit,
A case in which a channel having an open structure is formed and molded;
A first substrate that blocks an open portion of the flow path;
A second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate;
A plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate;
An introduction pipe and a discharge pipe are formed integrally with the case on the bottom surface of the flow path of the case, and the introduction pipe and the discharge pipe are respectively perpendicular to the first substrate and on the first substrate side. A thermoelectric conversion unit that extends in the opposite direction. The thermoelectric conversion unit according to claim 1,
A thermoelectric conversion unit in which a protruding portion that is adjacent to the introduction tube and protrudes toward the first substrate is formed on a bottom surface of the flow path. The thermoelectric conversion unit according to claim 2,
The projecting portion is a thermoelectric conversion unit having an inclined surface that is closer to the first substrate as it is farther from the introduction tube. The thermoelectric conversion unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The case is a first case,
The flow path is a first flow path,
The introduction pipe is a first introduction pipe;
The discharge pipe is a first discharge pipe;
The thermoelectric conversion unit has a second case in which a second flow path having an open structure is formed and molded,
The open portion of the second flow path is blocked by the second substrate,
A second introduction pipe and a second discharge pipe are formed integrally with the second case on the bottom surface of the second flow path of the second case, and the second introduction pipe and the second discharge pipe are respectively A thermoelectric conversion unit extending in a direction perpendicular to the second substrate and in a direction opposite to the second substrate side. It is a manufacturing method of the thermoelectric conversion unit according to claim 1,
Resin is allowed to flow between a pair of closed molds, and the case, the introduction pipe, and the discharge pipe are integrally molded by opening the pair of molds, and the first substrate and the case are formed in the case. A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion unit, comprising a step of assembling a second substrate and the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements.

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